Fire-Damaged Tanker Sounion Being Towed in the Red Sea

The Greek-registered oil tanker, SOUNION, which was damaged by Houthi militia attacks last month, is currently undergoing a complex salvage operation in the Red Sea. The European Union’s ASPIDES operation confirmed this development, stating that the vessel is being towed to a safe location after successfully connecting to tugs. The 900-foot-long ship, carrying a million barrels of oil, caught fire following the attacks and explosive devices placed by Houthi fighters.

A critical phase in the salvage process, the current towing operation marks the initial step towards salvaging the MS SOUNION. The next phase will involve reloading the ship, as environmental concerns loom large over potential oil spills and catastrophic environmental damage. Although a previous salvage attempt was halted due to safety concerns, Saudi Arabia is expected to assist in the cargo transfer to mitigate these risks.

The ASPIDES operation emphasized the importance of protecting the salvage operation and underscored its contribution to maritime and environmental security. The successful completion of this complex salvage operation is crucial to preventing further environmental damage in the Red Sea region. The operation is closely monitored to ensure the safe and efficient handling of the vessel and its cargo, underscoring the importance of environmental preservation in maritime salvage efforts.

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